Frequently Asked Questions

• How long will my batteries last?
• Can I safely switch battery brands?
• How should I store my batteries?
• Why is there a tab on my zinc-air battery?
• What are the common battery sizes?
• Tips for battery care

How long will my batteries last?

The life of your battery depends on the type of hearing aid you use, your amplifier, and how many hours you wear your hearing aid. Battery life can be as short as a few days for an In-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aid with a #5 battery, or as long as a month or more for a Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aid with a #675 battery.

Can I safely switch battery brands?

Yes.  Especially if you stick with major battery brands like Energizer,  Ray-O-Vac, Duracell, and Renata.  Although manufacturers and retailers may assign different numbers or letters to their batteries, the dimensions are standardized. There are FIVE standardized (universal) sizes: 675, 312, 13, 10 and 5. The easiest way to find your universal size is to look at the colored tab on one of your batteries. Since tab colors are also standardized, you will always purchase the right size if you match colors. For instance, a size 312 battery has a brown tab. Always! So, even if the numbers are different, or letters are added to the number, a battery with a brown tab has the dimensions of the universal 312 battery.

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How should I store my batteries?

You should store your hearing aid batteries at room temperature. Avoid hot places since heat will shorten the life of the batteries. Avoid cold places like the refrigerator where condensation can cause corrosion.

Batteries should not be carried loose in your pocket or purse since metal objects such as coins or keys can short out a battery.

Store and discard batteries in places that cannot be reached by infants, children, or pets. If a battery is swallowed, see a doctor immediately. For recommended treatment, call the National Button Battery Hotline collect at (202) 625-3333.

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Why is there a tab on my zinc-air battery?

A zinc-air battery uses oxygen from the air outside as one of its sources of power. The factory-applied tab seals the tiny air holes in the battery and ensures freshness until you are ready to use the battery. Do not remove the tab until you are ready to use the battery. To activate the battery, simply remove the tab. After you remove the battery tab, air enters the battery, and it achieves full power in one to five minutes.  Replacing the tab when the battery is not in use will not extend the battery life.

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What are the common battery sizes?

The most common battery sizes are 10, 13, 312 and 675. The size 5, the smallest battery, was recently introduced for the new Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) hearing aids. To identify the size,  manufacturers use an industry standard color code on their zinc-air tabs and packaging.

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Tips for Battery Care

• Keep the tab on your zinc-air battery until you are ready to use it.
• Always carry extra hearing aid batteries with you.
• Open the battery compartment door of your hearing aids at night so any moisture can evaporate.
• Store and discard batteries in places that cannot be reached by infants, children or pets.
• Never carry loose batteries in a pocket or purse. Metal objects such as coins or keys can short out the battery.
• Store your batteries at room temperature.

* If batteries are swallowed, see a doctor immediately. For recommended treatment, call the National Button Battery Hotline collect at (202) 625-3333.

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